If CNN has drifted into progressive bias, MSNBC has fully embraced it. Where other networks attempt to maintain a facade of neutrality, MSNBC wears its ideological allegiance on its sleeve. It is not merely a news channel—it is a platform for moral and cultural evangelism on behalf of the political Left. From its talking heads to its prime-time lineup, MSNBC champions a worldview rooted in postmodern relativism, identity politics, and disdain for traditional American institutions—particularly religious conservatism.
Originally founded in 1996 as a partnership between Microsoft and NBC (hence the name), MSNBC began as a tech-savvy news alternative. But over the years—especially post-2008—it was transformed into a partisan safe haven for progressive activism, particularly during the Obama presidency and the Trump resistance era. Under Comcast and NBCUniversal’s ownership, the network has cultivated a loyal audience among coastal elites, university towns, and urban progressives, who trust it not to challenge their worldview, but to affirm it with righteous indignation.
This installment of Hall of Shame analyzes how MSNBC has become the cathedral of cultural progressivism, blending secular leftist politics with moral absolutism, and presenting it all with the confidence of a nightly sermon. While claiming to protect democracy, MSNBC often undermines pluralism, truth-seeking, and the Christian conscience.
Ownership and Worldview
MSNBC is wholly owned by NBCUniversal, which in turn is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation—one of the largest media conglomerates in the world. Though Comcast is a publicly traded company, its leadership and media brands overwhelmingly reflect progressive corporate culture, including support for DEI initiatives, ESG mandates, and liberal social causes.
Within this structure, MSNBC has been permitted—if not encouraged—to carve out a niche as an activist network, especially in contrast to its corporate sibling NBC News, which still tries to maintain a more traditional journalistic posture. MSNBC’s hosts, contributors, and producers overwhelmingly identify with left-wing causes, and the network makes no serious attempt to include or represent socially conservative or nationalist viewpoints.
This worldview is not just partisan—it is ideologically rigid. MSNBC does not tolerate moral nuance on topics like race, sexuality, or climate change. It sees its mission as moral instruction, not simply information. Opposing views are not just wrong; they are dangerous, bigoted, or anti-democratic. That makes MSNBC a potent, if divisive, force in American culture: a media outlet that presents political propaganda in the robes of righteous certainty.
Typical Claims and Outlook
MSNBC’s outlook is best described as evangelical progressivism. It views American history primarily through the lens of systemic injustice and power dynamics, framing nearly every policy debate around identity categories: race, gender, sexuality, and class. It promotes leftist solutions—government expansion, regulation, cultural deconstruction—while demonizing conservative alternatives as threats to “democracy,” “equity,” or “lived experience.”
The network’s tone is strident and emotional. Panel discussions often descend into group affirmation of progressive dogmas, with little intellectual challenge or critical reflection. Even their “Republican” guests tend to be disaffected moderates or NeverTrumpers, brought in to reinforce MSNBC’s narrative of the GOP as extreme and irredeemable.
Spiritual and moral language is common—though never in service to biblical truth. MSNBC hosts speak of “justice,” “truth,” “safety,” and “liberation,” but these terms are defined through the lens of Cultural Marxism. Biblical Christianity, traditional sexual ethics, and American exceptionalism are treated as not just outdated, but harmful.
Issue-by-Issue Breakdown
The position of a media outlet on these twenty issues serves as good litmus tests to determine whether the outlet belongs on the woke, left, “Progressive” side of the political aisle or the right, conservative political side of the aisle.
It is evident that this media outlet belongs on the left side of the aisle.
1. Election Integrity and Voter Laws
MSNBC has relentlessly framed Republican election reform efforts as racist voter suppression. It opposed Georgia’s 2021 voting law with apocalyptic rhetoric, likening it to Jim Crow and calling it “anti-democracy.” The network amplified Stacey Abrams’ unfounded election objections while mocking 2020 skeptics on the Right.
2. Abortion and Reproductive Rights
The network treats abortion as sacred. Hosts refer to abortion bans as “forced birth,” “misogyny,” or “Christian theocracy.” There is virtually no coverage of fetal development, crisis pregnancy centers, or the conscience rights of healthcare providers. MSNBC embraces abortion absolutism.
3. Gender Identity and Transgender Policies
MSNBC is one of the most aggressive promoters of gender ideology on television. It supports puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgery for minors, often labeling opponents as “transphobic extremists.” Stories of detransitioners are ignored or dismissed. “Misgendering” is treated as violence.
4. Race and Systemic Racism
Every social problem, from education to healthcare, is interpreted through critical race theory frameworks. MSNBC supports reparations, racial quotas, and institutional race-based policies. The network promotes the belief that America was built by and for white supremacy and must be deconstructed.
5. Climate Change and Energy Policy
Climate change is framed as an existential threat requiring radical government intervention. MSNBC backs the Green New Deal, opposes fossil fuels, and often invites activists over scientists. Economic or constitutional objections are ignored. Climate skepticism is painted as ignorance or denial.
6. Immigration and Border Security
MSNBC regularly depicts immigration enforcement as cruel, xenophobic, and rooted in white nationalism. The network highlights the suffering of illegal immigrants while downplaying cartel violence, drug trafficking, or the national security risks posed by porous borders. It routinely opposes ICE operations and supports sanctuary cities.
7. Israel and the Middle East Conflict
While not as overtly hostile to Israel as fringe outlets, MSNBC gives significant airtime to pro-Palestinian voices, often framing the conflict in terms of “occupation,” “apartheid,” and “colonialism.” During conflicts, the network emphasizes civilian casualties in Gaza while downplaying Hamas’s use of human shields or rocket fire. Commentary frequently reflects the intersectional narrative of indigenous resistance against a Western oppressor.
8. Second Amendment and Gun Control
MSNBC treats gun rights advocates with deep skepticism, often portraying them as radicalized, racially motivated, or indifferent to human suffering. The network regularly pushes for federal gun control, using emotionally charged coverage of mass shootings and dismissing the constitutional arguments of the Second Amendment community.
9. LGBTQ+ Rights and Religious Liberty
MSNBC treats LGBTQ+ issues as settled civil rights concerns, framing any disagreement—especially on religious grounds—as bigotry. Christian business owners, schools, and adoption agencies are often depicted as discriminatory holdouts from a darker time. Transgenderism, in particular, is promoted with religious zeal, and dissenting voices are marginalized or attacked.
10. COVID-19 Policy and Mandates
MSNBC was among the loudest advocates for lockdowns, school closures, mask mandates, and vaccine passports. It labeled any criticism of these policies as dangerous “misinformation.” The network rarely questioned the CDC or NIH, even when guidance shifted. Natural immunity and early treatment options were often dismissed out of hand.
11. Policing and Criminal Justice
The network fully embraced the “Defund the Police” movement in 2020, frequently referring to policing as an inherently racist institution. It gave favorable coverage to radical prosecutors, bail reform, and prison abolition movements. Rising crime in progressive cities was downplayed or blamed on “inequities.”
12. Education and Parental Rights
MSNBC aligned itself with school boards and teachers’ unions during the parental rights backlash of 2021–22. The network mocked concerned parents at school board meetings as “extremists” or “white Christian nationalists,” especially on issues related to CRT and gender identity. School choice and homeschooling are portrayed as regressive or selfish.
13. Censorship and Big Tech
MSNBC openly advocates for content moderation, especially on social media platforms. It supported the suppression of COVID- and election-related content deemed “misinformation” and called for bans of conservative commentators. The network criticized Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter/X as a “threat to democracy.”
14. January 6 and Political Violence
MSNBC has described January 6 as a coup attempt, “terrorist insurrection,” and “the darkest day in American democracy.” It compares the riot to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor. By contrast, it framed the 2020 BLM/Antifa riots as understandable, even virtuous, expressions of racial grievance.
15. Corporate Wokeness and ESG
The network regularly promotes ESG initiatives, celebrates corporate diversity pledges, and lauds companies that embrace progressive causes. It rarely critiques the anti-democratic nature of ESG frameworks or their negative economic consequences. Anti-woke backlash is labeled as “reactionary.”
16. Hunter Biden and Political Corruption
MSNBC gave minimal coverage to the Hunter Biden laptop story and echoed the now-debunked claim that it was Russian disinformation. Even now, coverage of the Biden family’s international business dealings is sparse and defensive, especially compared to its obsessive focus on Trump’s finances.
17. Trump and the Republican Party
No network has devoted more airtime to opposing Donald Trump. From Russia collusion to impeachment to January 6, MSNBC’s tone has ranged from hysterical to messianic. Trump supporters are depicted as brainwashed, dangerous, or motivated by white grievance. Populism is framed as authoritarianism.
18. Affirmative Action and Racial Preferences
MSNBC opposed the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down race-based college admissions. The network mourned the ruling as a blow to “diversity” and rarely covered the perspectives of Asian-American plaintiffs. It treats merit-based systems as inherently suspect.
19. International Institutions and Sovereignty
MSNBC is highly favorable toward global institutions like the UN, WHO, WEF, and International Criminal Court. It often criticizes American sovereignty and exceptionalism in favor of multilateral governance and “global citizenship.” Critics of these institutions are painted as conspiratorial.
20. Culture War Issues
MSNBC consistently promotes progressive cultural norms—drag queen story hours, gender-neutral language, deconstruction of the nuclear family, and critical theory in education. Christianity is portrayed as oppressive, while alternative lifestyles are celebrated as liberation.
Cultural Marxism and Ideological Influence
MSNBC is perhaps the most open transmitter of Cultural Marxist ideology in mainstream American media. It explicitly adopts the frameworks of oppressor vs. oppressed, power dynamics, and systemic injustice. Rather than treat individuals as moral agents, it categorizes people into groups with moral weight based on identity.
This approach mirrors the transformation of classical Marxism into its cultural variant: instead of capitalists vs. workers, it is now white vs. non-white, male vs. female, straight vs. LGBTQ+, Christian vs. secular. MSNBC doesn’t just report these dynamics—it preaches them as doctrine, reinforcing a worldview where guilt and virtue are determined by group membership.
In the MSNBC worldview, redemption is not through grace or repentance, but through allyship, deconstruction, and ideological conformity. It sacralizes emotion, subjective identity, and revolutionary change while mocking tradition, transcendence, and objective moral order. It is, in effect, a religious substitute for the Gospel—with its own priests, dogmas, and heresies.
Notable Hosts, Contributors, and Scandals
MSNBC’s identity is inseparable from its high-profile hosts and contributors. Unlike traditional news anchors, these personalities are activists in suits, often more concerned with framing the cultural narrative than reporting events.
Key Ideological Figures
- Rachel Maddow – The face of MSNBC’s prime-time programming for years, Maddow blends charisma, intelligence, and leftist moral certainty. She became known for her monologues on Russia collusion and systemic injustice. Her influence shaped the network’s tone: academic in tone, activist in substance.
- Joy Reid – Host of The ReidOut, Reid is known for highly emotional and racialized commentary. She frequently accuses conservatives of white supremacy, Christian nationalism, or fascism. Past homophobic blog posts caused controversy, but MSNBC stood by her, citing her importance as a progressive Black voice.
- Lawrence O’Donnell – A former Senate staffer, O’Donnell’s commentary often promotes wealth redistribution, class warfare, and disdain for religious conservatives. He openly declares his ideological commitments on air.
- Chris Hayes – Host of All In with Chris Hayes, he presents a slightly more intellectual, if equally progressive, version of MSNBC’s message. He frequently invokes academic leftist ideas and identity politics while dismissing conservative thought as regressive.
- Ali Velshi – A weekend host and frequent panelist, Velshi often leads discussions on race, gender, and economic inequality. He champions progressive economics, climate action, and institutional reform in line with DEI and ESG initiatives.
Notable Scandals and Credibility Issues
- Russia Collusion Hysteria
MSNBC devoted thousands of hours to promoting the narrative that Donald Trump colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election. Much of the speculation—led by Maddow and others—was later discredited or undermined by the Mueller Report. No formal retraction or apology was ever issued. - Joy Reid Blog Controversy
Old blog posts from Joy Reid surfaced containing homophobic content. Initially, Reid claimed she was hacked. Forensic analysts found no evidence to support that claim. MSNBC eventually acknowledged the posts but defended Reid, claiming she had “evolved.” - Michael Avenatti Saturation
MSNBC hosted disgraced lawyer Michael Avenatti dozens of times during his legal attacks on Trump. The network treated him as a presidential contender. Avenatti was later convicted of fraud and extortion. MSNBC never addressed its role in promoting him as a serious figure. - Nick Sandmann Coverage
Like CNN, MSNBC aired misleading coverage of the 2019 viral incident involving Covington Catholic student Nicholas Sandmann. The network depicted him as a racist aggressor based on edited footage. Sandmann filed a defamation suit; though undisclosed, settlements were reportedly reached. - Post-Dobbs Fearmongering
After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, MSNBC ran speculative segments suggesting that contraception, interracial marriage, and same-sex marriage were in immediate danger—claims unsupported by the ruling or legal trajectory.
These incidents reflect not just poor journalism, but activism masquerading as reporting. The network’s commitment to narrative often outweighs its concern for facts, fairness, or accountability.
Conclusion: MSNBC as the Liturgical Wing of the Left
MSNBC doesn’t hide its biases—it preaches them. Unlike CNN or The New York Times, which at least gesture toward neutrality, MSNBC has built a brand around moral certainty, cultural deconstruction, and progressive zeal. Its viewers aren’t just informed—they’re catechized.
To the conservative Christian American, MSNBC represents the antithesis of a biblical worldview. It teaches that truth is subjective, identity is self-declared, morality is political, and salvation comes through activism. It replaces the Gospel of grace with the gospel of grievance. It doesn’t tolerate pluralism—it demands allegiance to its ideological creed.
MSNBC is more than a news network. It is a secular pulpit for the new progressive orthodoxy, preaching nightly sermons against tradition, religion, and patriotism. And for that, it deserves its place in the Hall of Shame.
S.D.G.,
Robert Sparkman
MMXXV
christiannewsjunkie@gmail.com
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